Methods and Systems for Thermal Image Display

ABSTRACT

An example method is performed by a thermal imaging device. The method includes capturing a thermal image of a vehicle and displaying the thermal image within a first region of a display of the thermal imaging device. The method further includes displaying information related to servicing the vehicle within a second region of the display that is distinct from the first region. Other example methods performed by a thermal imaging device are also disclosed herein.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present disclosure claims priority to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/364,293, filed on Jul. 19, 2016, the entire contentsof which are herein incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

Many products produced by manufacturers occasionally have to berepaired. Thermal imaging devices can be useful to repair such products.

Displays of current thermal imaging devices are generally configured as“one-tone” displays. This simplifies the processing associated withdisplaying thermal images. Additional information (such as a thermal“map”) can be superimposed on top of a displayed thermal image. Thisprocess may hide some of the information present in the displayedthermal image. To access the additional information, the user generallymay navigate multiple displays of a user interface.

Overview

In an example, a method is performed by a thermal imaging device. Themethod includes capturing a thermal image of a vehicle and displayingthe thermal image within a first region of a display of the thermalimaging device. The method further includes displaying informationrelated to servicing the vehicle within a second region of the displaythat is distinct from the first region.

In another example, a non-transitory computer readable medium storesinstructions that, when executed by a thermal imaging device, cause thethermal imaging device to perform functions. The functions includecapturing a thermal image of a vehicle and displaying the thermal imagewithin a first region of a display of the thermal imaging device. Thefunctions further include displaying information related to servicingthe vehicle within a second region of the display that is distinct fromthe first region.

In yet another example, a thermal imaging device includes one or moreprocessors, a thermal image sensor, and a non-transitory computerreadable medium storing instructions that, when executed by the one ormore processors, cause the thermal imaging device to perform functions.The functions include capturing a thermal image of a vehicle anddisplaying the thermal image within a first region of a display of thethermal imaging device. The functions further include displayinginformation related to servicing the vehicle within a second region ofthe display that is distinct from the first region.

In yet another example, a method is performed by a thermal imagingdevice. The method includes capturing a thermal image and displaying thecaptured thermal image within a first region of a display of the thermalimaging device. The displayed thermal image conforms to a first colorpalette that maps temperatures to a color or a brightness level. Themethod further includes displaying one or more color palette iconswithin a second region of the display that is distinct from the firstregion. The one or more color palette icons respectively representadditional color palettes that map temperatures to a color or abrightness level. The method further includes receiving inputrepresenting a selection of a color palette icon of the one or morecolor palette icons. The method further includes displaying, within thefirst region, a thermal image that conforms to a second color palettethat corresponds to the selected color palette icon.

In yet another example, a non-transitory computer readable medium storesinstructions that, when executed by a thermal imaging device, cause thethermal imaging device to perform functions. The functions includecapturing a thermal image and displaying the captured thermal imagewithin a first region of a display of the thermal imaging device. Thedisplayed thermal image conforms to a first color palette that mapstemperatures to a color or a brightness level. The functions furtherinclude displaying one or more color palette icons within a secondregion of the display that is distinct from the first region. The one ormore color palette icons respectively represent additional colorpalettes that map temperatures to a color or a brightness level. Thefunctions further include receiving input representing a selection of acolor palette icon of the one or more color palette icons. The functionsfurther include displaying, within the first region, a thermal imagethat conforms to a second color palette that corresponds to the selectedcolor palette icon.

In yet another example, a thermal imaging device includes one or moreprocessors, a thermal image sensor, and a non-transitory computerreadable medium storing instructions that, when executed by the one ormore processors, cause the thermal imaging device to perform functions.The functions include capturing a thermal image and displaying thecaptured thermal image within a first region of a display of the thermalimaging device. The displayed thermal image conforms to a first colorpalette that maps temperatures to a color or a brightness level. Thefunctions further include displaying one or more color palette iconswithin a second region of the display that is distinct from the firstregion. The one or more color palette icons respectively representadditional color palettes that map temperatures to a color or abrightness level. The functions further include receiving inputrepresenting a selection of a color palette icon of the one or morecolor palette icons. The functions further include displaying, withinthe first region, a thermal image that conforms to a second colorpalette that corresponds to the selected color palette icon.

In yet another example, a method is performed by a thermal imagingdevice. The method includes capturing a first thermal image anddisplaying the first thermal image within a first region of a display ofthe thermal imaging device. The method further includes displaying,within a second region of the display that is distinct from the firstregion, one or more second thermal images captured by the thermalimaging device. The one or more second thermal images are compressed tobe smaller than the first thermal image. The method further includesreceiving input representing a selection of a thermal image of the oneor more second thermal images, and in response to receiving the input,replacing, within the first region of the display, the first thermalimage with an enlarged version of the selected thermal image. Theenlarged version of the selected thermal image is equal in size to thedisplayed first thermal image.

In yet another example, a non-transitory computer readable medium storesinstructions that, when executed by a thermal imaging device, cause thethermal imaging device to perform functions. The functions includecapturing a first thermal image and displaying the first thermal imagewithin a first region of a display of the thermal imaging device. Thefunctions further include displaying, within a second region of thedisplay that is distinct from the first region, one or more secondthermal images captured by the thermal imaging device. The one or moresecond thermal images are compressed to be smaller than the firstthermal image. The functions further include receiving inputrepresenting a selection of a thermal image of the one or more secondthermal images, and in response to receiving the input, replacing,within the first region of the display, the first thermal image with anenlarged version of the selected thermal image. The enlarged version ofthe selected thermal image is equal in size to the displayed firstthermal image.

In yet another example, a thermal imaging device includes one or moreprocessors, a thermal image sensor, and a non-transitory computerreadable medium storing instructions that, when executed by the one ormore processors, cause the thermal imaging device to perform functions.The functions include capturing a first thermal image and displaying thefirst thermal image within a first region of a display of the thermalimaging device. The functions further include displaying, within asecond region of the display that is distinct from the first region, oneor more second thermal images captured by the thermal imaging device.The one or more second thermal images are compressed to be smaller thanthe first thermal image. The functions further include receiving inputrepresenting a selection of a thermal image of the one or more secondthermal images, and in response to receiving the input, replacing,within the first region of the display, the first thermal image with anenlarged version of the selected thermal image. The enlarged version ofthe selected thermal image is equal in size to the displayed firstthermal image.

These as well as other aspects and advantages will become apparent tothose of ordinary skill in the art by reading the following detaileddescription, with reference where appropriate to the accompanyingdrawings. Further, it should be understood that the embodimentsdescribed in this overview and elsewhere are intended to be examplesonly and do not necessarily limit the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Example embodiments are described herein with reference to the followingdrawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a thermal imaging device and a servercomputing system.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a thermal imaging device.

FIG. 3 is a rear view of a thermal imaging device.

FIG. 4 is a side view of a thermal imaging device.

FIG. 5 is a front view of a thermal imaging device.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart depicting an example method.

FIG. 7 depicts a display of a thermal imaging device.

FIG. 8 depicts a display of a thermal imaging device.

FIG. 9 depicts a display of a thermal imaging device.

FIG. 10 depicts a display of a thermal imaging device.

FIG. 11 depicts a display of a thermal imaging device.

FIG. 12 depicts a display of a thermal imaging device.

FIG. 13 depicts a display of a thermal imaging device.

FIG. 14 depicts a display of a thermal imaging device.

FIG. 15 is a flow chart depicting an example method.

FIG. 16 depicts a display of a thermal imaging device.

FIG. 17 depicts a display of a thermal imaging device.

FIG. 18 depicts a display of a thermal imaging device.

FIG. 19 depicts a display of a thermal imaging device.

FIG. 20 is a flow chart depicting an example method.

FIG. 21 depicts a display of a thermal imaging device.

FIG. 22 depicts a display of a thermal imaging device.

FIG. 23 shows example screenshots displayed by a thermal imaging device.

FIG. 24 shows example screenshots displayed by a thermal imaging device.

FIG. 25 shows example screenshots displayed by a thermal imaging device.

FIG. 26 shows example screenshots displayed by a thermal imaging device.

FIG. 27 shows example screenshots displayed by a thermal imaging device.

FIG. 28 shows example screenshots displayed by a thermal imaging device.

FIG. 29 shows example screenshots displayed by a thermal imaging device.

FIG. 30 shows example screenshots displayed by a thermal imaging device.

FIG. 31 shows example screenshots displayed by a thermal imaging device.

FIG. 32 shows example screenshots displayed by a thermal imaging device.

FIG. 33 shows example screenshots displayed by a thermal imaging device.

FIG. 34 shows example screenshots displayed by a thermal imaging device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION I. Introduction

Within examples, a thermal imaging device may include a display (e.g., aliquid crystal display) that has a resolution that is greater than theresolution of a thermal image sensor of the thermal imaging device. Inthis context, thermal images captured by the thermal imaging device mayhave a resolution that is less than the resolution of the display. The“extra” display area may be used for the display of information that isrelated to vehicle diagnostics or repair. This information could includevarious “thumbnail” versions of a thermal image that is displayed in themain display area. The thumbnail images may represent different colordisplay options (e.g., color pallets). This feature may allow thedesired color display option to be quickly chosen and the displayedimage to be modified accordingly. The extra display area may alsofacilitate display of troubleshooting tips without interrupting orobscuring display of the thermal image. Along these lines,troubleshooting tips and or a troubleshooting menu “tree” can bedisplayed for without interrupting display of the thermal image.

Although many of the example embodiments are described with respect to avehicle, the example embodiments can be applicable to products orrepairable items other than a vehicle. As an example, the other productsor repairable items can include home appliances, such as a generator, arefrigerator, a dishwasher, or a washing machine, or a consumerelectronic device, such as a television, a cellular phone, or a tabletdevice. Other examples of the other products or repairable items arealso possible. Accordingly, for embodiments based on these otherproducts or repairable items, the term vehicle in the describedembodiments can be replaced with a name of the other product orrepairable item.

In this description, the articles “a” or “an” are used to introduceelements of the example embodiments. Any reference to “a” or “an” refersto “at least one,” and any reference to “the” refers to “the at leastone,” unless otherwise specified, or unless the context clearly dictatesotherwise. The intent of using those articles is that there is one ormore of the elements. The intent of using the conjunction “or” within adescribed list of at least two terms is to indicate any of the listedterms or any combination of the listed terms. The use of ordinal numberssuch as “first,” “second,” “third” and so on is to distinguishrespective elements rather than to denote a particular order of thoseelements. For purpose of this description, the terms “multiple” and “aplurality of” refer to “two or more” or “more than one.”

The block diagram(s) and flow chart(s) shown in the figures are providedmerely as examples and are not intended to be limiting. Many of theelements illustrated in the figures or described herein are functionalelements that can be implemented as discrete or distributed elements orin conjunction with other elements, and in any suitable combination andlocation. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that otherarrangements and elements (e.g., machines, interfaces, functions,orders, or groupings of functions) can be used instead. Furthermore,various functions described as being performed by one or more elementsof a machine described herein can be carried out by a processorexecuting computer-readable program instructions or by any combinationof hardware, firmware, or software.

II. Example Architecture

Referring to FIG. 1, a vehicle, such as vehicle 4, is a mobile machinethat can be used to transport a person, people, or cargo. As an example,any vehicle described herein can be driven and/or otherwise guided alonga path (e.g., a paved road or otherwise) on land, in water, or in theair or outer space. As another example, any vehicle described herein canbe wheeled, tracked, railed, or skied. As yet another example, anyvehicle described herein can include an automobile, a motorcycle, anall-terrain vehicle (ATV) defined by ANSI/SVIA-1-2007, a snowmobile, apersonal watercraft (e.g., a JET SKI® personal watercraft), a light-dutytruck, a medium-duty truck, a heavy-duty truck, a semi-tractor, or afarm machine. As an example, a vehicle guided along a path can include avan (such as a dry or refrigerated van), a tank trailer, a platformtrailer, or an automobile carrier. As still yet another example, anyvehicle described herein can include or use any appropriate voltage orcurrent source, such as a battery, an alternator, a fuel cell, and thelike, providing any appropriate current or voltage, such as about 12volts, about 42 volts, and the like. As still yet another example, anyof the vehicles described herein can include or use any desired systemor engine. Those systems or engines can include items that use fossilfuels, such as gasoline, natural gas, propane, and the like,electricity, such as that generated by a battery, magneto, fuel cell,solar cell and the like, wind and hybrids or combinations thereof. Asstill yet another example, any vehicle described herein can include anelectronic control unit (ECU), a data link connector (DLC), and avehicle communication link that connects the DLC to the ECU.

Some vehicles can be identified by characteristics of the vehicle suchas when the vehicle was built (e.g., a vehicle model year), who builtthe vehicle (e.g., a vehicle make), marketing names associated withvehicle (e.g., a vehicle model name, or more simply “model”), andfeatures of the vehicle (e.g., an engine type). This description uses anabbreviation YMME or Y/M/M/E, where each letter in the order shownrepresents a model year, vehicle make, vehicle model name, and enginetype, respectively. This description uses an abbreviation YMM or Y/M/M,where each letter in the order shown represents a model year, vehiclemake, and vehicle model name, respectively. An example Y/M/M/E shown inthe drawings is 2004/Toyota/Camry/4Cyl, in which “2004” represents themodel year the vehicle was built, “Toyota” represents the name of thevehicle manufacturer Toyota Motor Corporation, Aichi Japan, “Camry”represents a vehicle model built by that manufacturer, and “4Cyl”represents a an engine type (i.e., a four cylinder internal combustionengine) within the vehicle. A person skilled in the art will understandthat other features in addition to or as an alternative to “engine type”can be used to identify a vehicle. These other features can beidentified in various manners, such as a regular production option (RPO)code, such as the RPO codes defined by the General Motors Company LLC,Detroit Mich.

A vehicle communication link within a vehicle can include one or moreconductors (e.g., copper wire conductors) or can be wireless. As anexample, a vehicle communication link can include one or two conductorsfor carrying vehicle data messages in accordance with a vehicle datamessage (VDM) protocol. A VDM protocol can include a Society ofAutomotive Engineers (SAE) J1850 (PWM or VPW) VDM protocol, anInternational Organization of Standardization (ISO) 15764-4 controllerarea network (CAN) VDM protocol, an ISO 9141-2 K-Line VDM protocol, anISO 14230-4 KWP2000 K-Line VDM protocol, or some other protocolpresently defined for performing communications within a vehicle.

The thermal imaging device (TID) 6 may be used to capture and displaythermal images of components of the vehicle 4. TID 6 may take the formof a computing device and be configured for communication with theserver computing system (SCS) 10 via communication links 12 and 14, andcommunication network 8. The TID 6 may be depicted in further detail inFIG. 2.

The communication network 8 may include one or more computing devicesnetworked via a wide-area network or a local area network. Thecommunication network 8 may take the form of the internet, for example.As such, the communication links 12 and 14 may take the form of wired(e.g., Ethernet) or wireless (e.g., Bluetooth, Wifi, etc.) communicationlinks.

The SCS 10 may take the form of one or more computing devices (e.g., aserver). In some examples, the SCS 10 may store various informationuseful for repairing vehicles taking the form of various Y/M/M.

The TID 6 is depicted in FIG. 2. A processor such as the processor 22 orany other processor discussed in this description can include one ormore processors. A processor can include a general purpose processor(e.g., an INTEL® single core microprocessor or an INTEL® multicoremicroprocessor), or a special purpose processor (e.g., a digital signalprocessor, a graphics processor, or an application specific integratedcircuit (ASIC) processor). A processor can be configured to executecomputer-readable program instructions (CRPI). For example, theprocessor 22 can execute CRPI 42 stored in the computer-readable medium(CRM) 28. A processor can be configured to execute hard-codedfunctionality in addition to or as an alternative to software-codedfunctionality (e.g., via CRPI). The at least one processor of theprocessor 22 can be programmed to perform any function or combination offunctions described herein as being performed by the TID 6.

A computer-readable medium such as the CRM 28 or any other CRM discussedin this description can include one or more CRM. A CRM can include anon-transitory CRM, a transitory CRM, or both a non-transitory CRM and atransitory CRM. A non-transitory CRM, or a portion thereof, can belocated within or as part of a processor (e.g., within a singleintegrated circuit chip). A non-transitory CRM, or a portion thereof,can be separate and distinct from a processor.

A non-transitory CRM can include a volatile or non-volatile storagecomponent, such as an optical, magnetic, organic or other memory or discstorage component. Additionally or alternatively, a non-transitory CRMcan include or be configured as a random-access memory (RAM), aread-only memory (ROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), anerasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasableprogrammable read-only memory (EEPROM), or a compact disk read-onlymemory (CD-ROM). The RAM can include static RAM or dynamic RAM.

A transitory CRM can include, for example, CRPI provided over acommunication link, such as the communication link 12 which is connectedto or is part of the communication network 8. The communication link 12can include a digital or analog communication link. The communicationlink can include a wired communication link including one or more wiresor conductors, or a wireless communication link including an airinterface.

A computer-readable medium can be referred to by other terms such as a“computer-readable storage medium,” a “data storage device,” a “memorydevice,” a “memory,” “computer-readable media,” a “computer-readabledatabase,” “at least one computer-readable medium,” or “one or morecomputer-readable medium.” Any of those alternative terms can bepreceded by the prefix “transitory” if the CRM is transitory or“non-transitory” if the CRM is non-transitory.

The CRM 28 can include CRPI 42, color palette data 44, display mappingdata 46, captured images 48, captured video 50. The CRM 28 may alsoinclude repair tips 52 which may include image tips (good component) 54,image tips (bad component), and text tips 58.

The color palette data 44 may include one or more color palettes formapping temperatures (e.g., wavelengths) represented by thermal imagedata to brightness levels and/or colors, as is known in the art. Forexample, a first color palette may map temperatures to various shades oforange and/or levels of brightness, whereas a second color palette maymap temperatures to various shades of purple and/or levels ofbrightness.

Display mapping data 46 may include templates for displaying thermalimages simultaneously with information related to servicing vehicles.For example, the user may select one of many display templates such thata thermal image of a vehicle and information related to servicing thevehicle are displayed at various relative locations within the display36 based on the selected display template.

The captured images 48 may include image data corresponding to thermalimages captured by the TID 6. The captured video 50 may include imagedata corresponding to thermal images captured as a video stream by theTID 6.

The image tips 54 may include images that are captured by the TID 6and/or images that are received from the SCS 10. The image tips 54 mayinclude thermal images of vehicle components that are known to be ingood working order. The image tips 56 may include images that arecaptured by the TID 6. The image tips 56 may include thermal images ofvehicle components that are known to be malfunctioning in one way oranother. The TID 6 may receive the image tips 56 from the SCS 10. TheSCS 10 may provide images tips 54 and/or image tips 56 in response to arequest for images tips from the TID 6. The request for image tips mayinclude a Y/M/M or Y/M/M/E of a vehicle to be diagnosed using the TID 6.

The text tips 58 may include textual suggestions for repairing vehiclecomponents. For example, a user may navigate a menu displayed by theuser interface 26 and choose text tips 58 that correspond to aparticular component of a vehicle that is suspected of malfunctioning.The TID 6 may receive the text tips from the SCS in response to arequest for text tips from the TID 6. The request for text tips mayinclude a Y/M/M or Y/M/M/E of a vehicle to be diagnosed using the TID 6.

A network communications interface 24 can comprise a transceiver and areceiver. A transceiver can comprise one or more transceivers. Eachtransceiver can include one or more transmitters configured to transmitdata onto a network, such as the communication network 8. Eachtransceiver can include one or more receivers configured to receive datacarried over a network, such as the communication network 8. The datatransmitted or received by a transceiver can comprise any data (e.g.,repair tips, images, video, image tips, or text tips) discussed in thisdescription or any combination thereof.

A transmitter can transmit radio signals carrying data and a receivercan receive radio signals carrying data. A transceiver with thattransmitter and receiver can include one or more antennas and can bereferred to as a “radio transceiver,” an “RF transceiver,” or a“wireless transceiver.” The radio signals transmitted or received by aradio transceiver can be arranged in accordance with one or morewireless communication standards or protocols such as an IEEE 802.15.1standard for WPANs, a Bluetooth version 4.1 standard developed by theBluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) of Kirkland, Wash., or an IEEE802.11 standard for wireless LANs (which is sometimes referred to as aWI-FI® standard), or a cellular wireless communication standard such asa long term evolution (LTE) standard, a code division multiple access(CDMA) standard, an integrated digital enhanced network (IDEN) standard,a global system for mobile communications (GSM) standard, a generalpacket radio service (GPRS) standard, a universal mobiletelecommunications system (UMTS) standard, an enhanced data rates forGSM evolution (EDGE) standard, or a multichannel multipoint distributionservice (MMDS) standard.

Additionally or alternatively, a transmitter can transmit a signal(i.e., one or more signals or one or more electrical waves) carrying orrepresenting data onto a wire (e.g., one or more wires) and a receivercan receive via a wire a signal carrying or representing data over thewire. The wire can be part of a network, such as the communicationnetwork 8. The signal carried over a wire can be arranged in accordancewith a wired communication standard such as a Transmission ControlProtocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), an IEEE 802.3 Ethernetcommunication standard for a LAN, a data over cable service interfacespecification (DOCSIS standard), such as DOCSIS 3.1, a USB specification(as previously described), or some other wired communication standard.

The data transmitted by a transceiver can include a destinationidentifier or address of a system component to which the data is to betransmitted. The data transmitted by a transceiver can include a sourceidentifier or address of the system component including the transceiver.The source identifier or address can be used to send a response to thesystem component that includes the transceiver that sent the data.

The network communications interface 24 can include a modem, a networkinterface card, and/or a chip mountable on a circuit board. As anexample the chip can comprise a CC3100 Wi-Fi® network processoravailable from Texas Instruments, Dallas, Tex., a CC256MODx Bluetooth®Host Controller Interface (HCl) module available from Texas instruments,and/or a different chip for communicating via Wi-Fi®, Bluetooth® oranother communication protocol.

FIG. 3 depicts a rear view of the TID 6. FIG. 4 depicts a side view ofthe TID 6. FIG. 5 depicts a front view of the TID 6.

III. Example Operation

FIG. 6 is a flowchart depicting a method 600 that can be carried out inaccordance with one or more example embodiments described herein. Themethod 600 includes the functions shown in blocks 602, 604, and 606. Avariety of methods can be performed using one or more of the functionsshown in the method 600 and one or more other functions describedherein. Reference numbers included within the description of FIG. 6 areprovided as examples, rather than to limit the description to only theparticular configuration(s) including the components associated with thereference numbers.

The method 600 may be performed by a thermal imaging device, such as theTID 6.

At block 602, the method 600 includes capturing a thermal image of avehicle. For example, the camera 30 of the TID 6 may capture a thermalimage of the vehicle 4 or a particular component of the vehicle 4. Thecamera 30 may include a thermal imaging sensor that is configured todetect infrared (or near infrared) wavelengths emitted by the vehicle 4.Higher temperatures of the vehicle 4 may be represented by shorterwavelengths being captured by the camera 30 and lower temperatures ofthe vehicle 4 may be represented by longer wavelengths being captured bythe camera 30. A user may point an imaging aperture of the TID 6 towarda portion of the vehicle 4 and capture a thermal image of that portionof the vehicle 4.

In some examples, image and/or video capture may occur in response touser input. For example, the user interface 26 may include an imagetrigger 38. The TID 6 may detect that the image trigger 38 is beingsqueezed and capture the thermal image in response to detecting thetrigger squeeze. Further, the TID 6 may capture thermal video framescontinuously as long as the TID 6 determines that the image trigger 38is being squeezed. For example, thermal image capture may commence uponthe squeezing of the image trigger 38 and thermal image capture maycease or pause upon the release of the image trigger 38.

In some examples, the TID 6 may send the captured image to the SCS 10 sothat the SCS 10 may store the captured image in an image database. Theimage database stored by the SCS 10 may be built via “crowdsourcing,”that is, by receiving images of various vehicle components in variousstates of operation from thermal imaging devices operated by differentusers. For example a first user may operate a first thermal imagingdevice to capture a first thermal image of a malfunctioning heat vent ofa 2008 Toyota Corolla. The first user may then operate the first thermalimaging device to send the first thermal image to the SCS 10, along withinformation indicating that the first thermal image corresponds to amalfunctioning heat vent of a 2008 Toyota Corolla.

As another example, a second user may operate a second thermal imagingdevice to capture a second thermal image of a normally functioning seatwarmer of a 2009 Honda Accord. The second user may then operate thesecond thermal imaging device to send the second thermal image to theSCS 10, along with information indicating that the second thermal imagecorresponds to a normally functioning seat warmer of a 2009 HondaAccord. The SCS 10 may then store the first thermal image and the secondthermal image along with metadata indicating the aforementionedcharacteristics of each respective thermal image. This may allow thedatabase to be searched by other users to find thermal images that arerelevant to their own malfunctioning vehicle components.

At block 604, the method 600 includes displaying the thermal imagewithin a first region of a display of the thermal imaging device. Thismay be implemented in various ways. A user may provide input via userinterface 26 to select a template from display mapping data 46, and thethermal image may be displayed according to the selected template.

For example, FIG. 7 depicts display 36 displaying a captured thermalimage 702 within a region 704 of the display 36. FIG. 8 depicts display36 displaying a captured thermal image 802 within a region 804 of thedisplay 36. FIG. 9 depicts display 36 displaying a captured thermalimage 902 within a region 904 of the display 36. FIG. 10 depicts display36 displaying a captured thermal image 1002 within a region 1004 of thedisplay 36. FIG. 11 depicts display 36 displaying a captured thermalimage 1102 within a region 1104 of the display 36. FIG. 12 depictsdisplay 36 displaying a captured thermal image 1202 within a region 1204of the display 36. FIG. 13 depicts display 36 displaying a capturedthermal image 1302 within a region 1304 of the display 36. FIG. 14depicts display 36 displaying a captured thermal image 1402 within aregion 1404 of the display 36.

At block 606, the method 600 includes displaying information related toservicing the vehicle within a second region of the display that isdistinct from the first region. The information may include textualsuggestions for repairing the vehicle 4 or a component of the vehicle 4,for example. The displayed information may be stored by the SCS 10 andsent to the TID 6, or the displayed information may be stored on thecomputer-readable medium 28 and accessed locally by the TID 6.

For instance, FIG. 7 depicts display 36 displaying information 706within a region 708 of the display 36. FIG. 8 depicts display 36displaying information 806 within a region 808 of the display 36. FIG. 9depicts display 36 displaying information 906 within a region 908 of thedisplay 36. FIG. 10 depicts display 36 displaying information 1006within a region 1008 of the display 36. FIG. 11 depicts display 36displaying information 1106 within a region 1108 of the display 36. FIG.12 depicts display 36 displaying information 1206 within a region 1208of the display 36. FIG. 13 depicts display 36 displaying information1306 within a region 1308 of the display 36. FIG. 14 depicts display 36displaying information 1406 within a region 1408 of the display 36.

In some examples, the user interface 26 may receive input representing aselection of a vehicle component. In response, the TID 6 may identifyinformation that is associated with the selected vehicle component. Inthis context, the displayed information may include the informationidentified by the input. For example, the input may indicate a selectionof a seat warmer, and the display 36 may display the information 806 inthe region 808. In another example, the information 806 might read “lookfor a hot spot or a cold spot on the seat warmer.” In another example,the input may indicate a selection of a window defroster, and theinformation 806 might read “find a cold spot indicating an open circuitin the defroster.” Other examples are possible. The identifiedinformation may be retrieved from a database accessible by the SCS 10 orthe TID 6, for example. That is, the identified information may bestored by the SCS 10 and sent to the TID 6, or the identifiedinformation may be stored on the computer-readable medium 28 andaccessed locally by the TID 6.

In some examples, the information 806 might take the form of a thermalimage of a normally functioning example of the identified vehiclecomponent. For diagnostic purposes, a user may be able to compare thecaptured image 802 with an image that corresponds with the normallyfunctioning component. In addition or alternatively, the information 806might take the form of a thermal image of a malfunctioning example ofthe identified vehicle component. For diagnostic purposes, a user may beable to compare the captured image 802 with an image that correspondswith the malfunctioning component.

In another example, the received input may indicate a particular symptomof the vehicle component and the identified information may be relatedto the symptom. For example the input received via the user interface 26may indicate a malfunctioning window defroster of the vehicle 4 and theinformation 806 may include “find a cold spot indicating an open circuitin the defroster.” In another example, the received input may indicatefailing bearings, and the information 1306 may include “Look for bearingthat are running 40 degrees hotter than normal.”

In other instances, the displayed information may be relevant to aparticular make, model, and/or year of a vehicle. For example, the inputreceived via the user interface 26 may indicate a make, a model, or ayear of the vehicle 4, and the information 806 may be particularlyrelated to the indicated make, the model, or the year of the vehicle 4.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart depicting a method 1500 that can be carried outin accordance with one or more example embodiments described herein. Themethod 1500 includes the functions shown in blocks 1502, 1504, 1506,1508, and 1510. A variety of methods can be performed using one or moreof the functions shown in the method 1500 and one or more otherfunctions described herein. Reference numbers included within thedescription of FIG. 15 are provided as examples, rather than to limitthe description to only the particular configuration(s) including thecomponents associated with the reference numbers.

The method 1500 may be performed by a thermal imaging device, such asthe TID 6.

At block 1502, the method 1500 includes capturing a thermal image. Block1502 may be performed similarly to block 602, for example. Referring toFIG. 16, the TID 6 may capture the image 1602, for example.

At block 1504, the method 1500 includes displaying the captured thermalimage within a first region of a display of the thermal imaging device.Block 1504 may be performed similarly to block 604, for example. Thedisplayed thermal image conforms to a first color palette that mapstemperatures (e.g., wavelengths) to a color or a brightness level.

For example, the captured image 1602 may be displayed in the region 1604according to a color palette #7 (“CP7”). CP7 might map varioustemperatures (represented by various infrared wavelengths) to variouscolors and/or levels of brightness. CP7 might display varioustemperatures as various shades of orange, for example, with highertemperatures corresponding to brighter (yellowish) orange and lowertemperatures corresponding to darker (reddish) orange. Other examplesare possible.

At block 1506, the method 1500 includes displaying one or more colorpalette icons within a second region of the display that is distinctfrom the first region. The one or more color palette icons respectivelyrepresent additional color palettes that map temperatures (e.g.,wavelengths) to a color or a brightness level.

For example, the color palette icons CP1, CP2, CP3, CP4, CP5 and CP6 maybe displayed within the region 1608 of the display 36. The color paletteicons CP1, CP2, CP3, CP4, CP5 and CP6 may each represent a uniquemapping of temperature (e.g., wavelength) to color and/or brightness.

At block 1508, the method 1500 includes receiving input representing aselection of a color palette icon of the one or more color paletteicons. For example, the display 36 may be a touchscreen that receives atouch and drag input of color palette icon CP2 that drags the colorpalette icon CP2 from the region 1608 into the region 1604. In otherexamples, the input representing a selection of the color palette CP2may take other forms as well (e.g., a double click, a double tap, or asingle tap, etc.).

At block 1510, the method 1500 includes displaying, within the firstregion, a thermal image that conforms to a second color palette thatcorresponds to the selected color palette icon. The display 36 mayresponsively cause the captured thermal image 1602 to be displayed(e.g., modified) in accordance with a color map that corresponds to thecolor palette icon CP2, as shown in FIG. 17.

Additionally, the selected color palette icon CP2 may be replaced in theregion 1608 with a color palette icon CP7. The color palette icon CP7may take the form of a compressed version of the thermal image 1602 thatconforms to the color palette CP7.

Respective regions for displaying full-size thermal images and colorpalette icons may be arranged in different ways as well. See thermalimage 1802, region 1804, color palette icons CP1, CP2, and CP3, andregion 1808 of FIG. 18, for example. See also thermal image 1802,regions 1804 and 1808, and color palette icons CP1, CP3, CP5, CP7, CP4,and CP6 of FIG. 19, for example.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart depicting a method 2000 that can be carried outin accordance with one or more example embodiments described herein. Themethod 2000 includes the functions shown in blocks 2002, 2004, 2006,2008, and 2010. A variety of methods can be performed using one or moreof the functions shown in the method 2000 and one or more otherfunctions described herein. Reference numbers included within thedescription of FIG. 20 are provided as examples, rather than to limitthe description to only the particular configuration(s) including thecomponents associated with the reference numbers.

The method 2000 may be performed by a thermal imaging device, such asthe TID 6.

At block 2002, the method 2000 includes capturing a first thermal image.Block 2002 may be performed similarly to block 602 or block 1502, forexample. Referring to FIG. 21, the TID 6 may capture the image 2102.

At block 2004, the method 2000 includes displaying the first thermalimage within a first region of a display of the thermal imaging device.Block 2004 may be performed similarly to block 604 or block 1504, forexample. Referring to FIG. 21, the display 36 may display the capturedimage 2102 in the region 2104. The image 2102 may conform to a colorpalette CP7.

At block 2006, the method 2000 includes displaying, within a secondregion of the display that is distinct from the first region, one ormore second thermal images captured by the thermal imaging device. Theone or more second thermal images may be compressed to be smaller thanthe first thermal image.

For example, the display 36 may display, within the region 2108,compressed thermal images 2201, 2202, 2203, 2204, 2205, and 2206. Asshown, the thermal images 2201-2206 are compressed to be smaller thanthe thermal image 2102.

At block 2008, the method 2000 includes receiving input representing aselection of a thermal image of the one or more second thermal images.For example, the display 36 may be a touchscreen that receives a touchand drag input of the thermal image 2202 that drags the thermal image2202 from the region 2108 into the region 2104. Other forms of suchinput are possible (e.g., a double click, a double tap, or a single tapof the image 2202, etc.).

At block 2010, the method 2000 includes, in response to receiving theinput, replacing, within the first region of the display, the firstthermal image with an enlarged version of the selected thermal image. Inthis context, the enlarged version of the selected thermal image isequal in size to the displayed first thermal image. For example, thedisplay 36 may, in response to receiving the input, replace the image2102 with the image 2202 within the region 2104. As shown in FIG. 22,the image 2202 has been enlarged to be equal in size to the image 2102.In addition, the display 36 may replace, within the region 2108, theselected thermal image 2202 with a compressed version of the thermalimage 2102, as shown in FIG. 22.

FIGS. 23-34 show additional aspects of the TID 6. The aspects shown inFIGS. 23-34 include screen shots of captured images, menus, etc. thatcan be displayed on a display (e.g., the display 36) of the TID 6. Theprocessor 22 can execute the computer-readable program instructions(e.g., the CRPI 42) to generate the displays shown in the example screenshots of FIGS. 23-34.

FIG. 23 and FIG. 24 show an overview of the TID 6 and screen shots 103,105, 107, 109, 111, 113, 115, 117, 119, and 121 (or more simply screenshots 103 to 121) that are displayable on the display 36. The processor22 can output displayable aspects shown in the screen shots 103 to 121to the display 36. The TID 6 includes an N-button 123, a directional pad(D-pad) 125, an S-button 129, and a Y-button 131. The S-button 129 canbe labeled as “Menu” or with a different indicator. The D-pad 125includes an up key, a down key, a left key, and a right key. The leftand right keys can be used to move focus across the menu tool bar 137 asshown in the screen shot 115. The up and down keys can be used to movefocus through elements within the display 36 below the tool bar menu 137as shown in screen shot 115. A “button” can be referred to as a “key” asin a key of a keypad or keyboard 40. A “key” can be referred to as a“button.”

The screen shot 103 includes several displayable aspects. Thosedisplayable aspects include a textual tip 133, a temperature 157, atemperature scale 159, and temperature marker 161. The textual tip 133states: “PRO TIP: Press the S button to open the app window.” Otherexamples of a textual tip displayable on the display 36 are alsopossible. The textual tips can help new users with using the TID 6. Thetemperature 157 can display a temperature at a location indicated by thetemperature marker 161.

The screen shot 105 shows a setup menu 135. The setup menu 135 comprisessetup up mode selectors for color palette setup, brightness setup,language setup, temperature setup, power setup, and an about selector.The aspects displayed in the screen shot 105 also include the tool barmenu 137, and tool bar selectors 139, 141, 143 for tips, gallery, andtrash, respectively.

The screen shot 107 includes a temperature setup screen that provides auser with an option to select temperature units (° F. or ° C.). Thetemperature setup screen shown in the screen shot 107 can be displayedin response to selecting the temperature setup selector shown in screenshot 105.

The screen shot 109 shows an overflow menu with example selectionoptions Normal and Disabled. Other examples of names of selectionoptions within the overflow menu are also possible. The screen shot 109shows the tool bar menu 137, additional features selectors 145 and 147,and visual states for buttons 149, 151, 153, and 155 on the tool barmenu 137 based on a status of a selection button. As an example, thevisual state for button 149 is normal (e.g., without focus and enabled).As an example, the visual state for button 151 is has focus (e.g.,active). As an example, the visual state for button 153 isselected/active but not in focus. As an example, the visual state forbutton 155 is disabled. The screen shot 109 can include a selection area163 to make selections to change the visual state of a button.

The screen shot 111 includes displayable aspects including an image 165,such as a live view image. The S-button 129 can be pressed while thelive view image 165 is displayed to cause the tool bar menu 137 toappear. The S-button 129 can be pressed when the tool bar menu 137 isdisplayed to cause the tool bar menu 137 to disappear and the live viewimage 165 to be displayed. Camera related data can be hidden when anapplication window is opened.

The screen shot 113 includes displayable aspects of a global menu. Thoseaspects includes selectors such as Normal, Has Focus, Selected/Active(not in focus), and Disabled. Those aspects can pertain to the tool barbuttons shown in the screen shot 109.

The screen shot 117 shows an example of displaying a partial fileselector 167 below the complete file selectors 169 (movie file), 171(screen capture file), and 173 (screen capture file). The partial fileselector 167 can be displayed instead of a scroll bar to provide a hintthat other selectors are available. The partial file selector 167 can beselected to cause the partial file selector 167 to be displayed in itsentirety.

The screen shot 119 in FIG. 23 shows a usage tip 175 “PRO TIP: Press Yto show/hide text,” a tip name 177, and a repair tip 179 “Look formanifold temperature differences, all cylinders should be the same, acold or hot cylinder could indicate a problem.” A usage tip can guide auser how to use the TID 6. A repair tip can guide a user in diagnosingand/or repairing a vehicle. The usage tip can fade away after apredetermined amount of time (e.g., 2 to 3 seconds) and the tip name 177and the repair tip 179 can move towards the position at which the usagetip 175 was displayed. The processor 22 may track how many times eachusage tip is displayed since a factory reset of TID 6 so that the usagetip is not perceived as being in the way once the user has becomefamiliar with operating the TID 6.

Next, FIG. 25 and FIG. 26 show example screen shots 201, 203, 205, 207,209, 211, and 213 (or more simply screenshots 201 to 213) that aredisplayable on the display 36 during a settings mode of the TID 6. Theprocessor 22 can output displayable aspects shown in the screen shots201 to 213 to the display 36.

The displayable aspects of the screen shot 201 include a tool bar menu215 (including example tool bar selections: tips, gallery, and trash)and the settings menu 217 including example setting selections for colorpalette, brightness, language, temperature, power, and aboutinformation.

The aspects of the screen shot 203 can be displayed in response toselecting the Y-key while the color palette selection is in focus (e.g.,active) in the settings menu 217. Those aspects of the screen shot 203include the tool bar menu 215 and a color palette 219. A color forimages to be displayed can be selected from the color palette 219.Pressing the Y-key after selecting a color from the color palette canenter the selected color, whereas pressing the N-key can cancel thecolor selection and/or to return the user to the selection menu 217.

The aspects of the screen shot 205 can be displayed in response toselecting the Y-key while the brightness selection is in focus (e.g.,active) in the settings menu 217. Those aspects of the screen shot 205include the tool bar menu 215 and a brightness selection instruction223. The brightness selection instruction 223, for example, can state“PRO TIP: Select▴ or ▾ to adjust display brightness. Press N when done.”The processor 22 can determine which keyboard selections are entered andadjust a brightness adjustment associated with the display 36. Pressingthe keys on the keyboard 40 when making an adjustment can cause theprocessor 22 to output an audible tone by a speaker or otherwise. Thetones output by the processor 22 can get louder or quieter as theadjustment limits are reached.

The aspects of the screen shot 207 can be displayed in response toselecting the Y-key while the language selection is in focus (e.g.,active) in the settings menu 217. Those aspects of the screen shot 207include the tool bar menu 215, a first language selection 225, and asecond language selection 227. The processor 22 can determine aselection of the first language selection 225 or the second languageselection 227 and subsequently display text (e.g., usage tips, repairtips, and menus) in the selected language.

The aspects of the screen shot 209 shown in FIG. 26 can be displayed inresponse to selecting the Y-key while the temperature selection is infocus (e.g., active) in the settings menu 217. Those aspects of thescreen shot 209 include the tool bar menu 215, a ° F. selection 229, anda ° C. selection 231. The processor 22 can determine a selection of the° F. selection 229 or the ° C. selection 231 and subsequently displaytemperatures (e.g., the temperature 157 shown in FIG. 24) on the display36 in the selected units.

The aspects of the screen shot 211 can be displayed in response toselecting the Y-key while the power selection is in focus (e.g., active)in the settings menu 217. Those aspects of the screen shot 211 includethe tool bar menu 215 and power down selections 233, 235, 237, and 239.The processor 22 can determine which power down selection has beenselected and subsequently cause the TID 6 to power down after theprocessor 22 determines an amount of time of inactivity with respect tothe TID 6 or automatically after some other event. Examples of theamount of time can be 2 minutes, 5 minutes, 10 minutes or some otheramount of time.

The aspects of the screen shot 213 can be displayed in response toselecting the Y-key while the about selection is in focus (e.g., active)in the settings menu 217. Those aspects of the screen shot 213 includethe tool bar menu 215, a version indicator 241, a cancel selection 243,and a factory reset selection 245. The version indicator 241 can, forexample, identify a version of software, hardware, or firmware of theTID 6. The processor 22 can determine the cancel selection 243 has beenselected and responsively return to the setting menu. The processor 22can determine the factory reset selection 245 has been selected andperform one or more actions to set the TID 6 back to a factory settingof the TID (e.g., return the TID to a first language and a first powersetting).

Next, FIG. 27 and FIG. 28 show example screen shots 301, 303, 305, 307,309, 311, 313, 315, and 317 (or more simply 301 to 317) that aredisplayable on the display 36 during a tip navigation mode of the TID 6.The processor 22 can output displayable aspects shown in the screenshots 301 to 317 to the display 36.

The screen shot 301 represents a “live view” image (e.g., the mostrecent image captured by a camera of the thermal imaging device). Whilethe live view image is displayed, the S-button of the keyboard 40 can bepressed to cause the display 36 to display the aspects shown in thescreen shot 303. Those aspects include the tool bar 319 and the tipscategory menu 321. As an example, the first time the tips category menu321 is initiated (e.g., displayed) since the TID 6 power is changed fromthe off state to the on state, a left most tool bar selection 323 fortips can be active (e.g., in focus) by default so that the tips menu isdisplayed on the display 36. The tips category menu 321 includes one ormore tip categories selections, such as Under Hood, Under Vehicle, Brakeand Tire, and Other. Other tool bar selections on the tool bar include agallery selection and a trash selection. Other selections could beincluded on the tool bar 319. Pressing the S-button while a menu and thetool bar 319 are displayed can cause the display to return to displayingthe live view image.

The screen shot 305 shows an example of aspects that can be displayed inresponse to pressing the Y-key while the Under Hood tip categoryselection is in focus. Those aspects include the tool bar 319 and thetips sub-category menu 325. The sub-categories include Engine,Electrical, Cooling System, and Other. Other examples of thesub-categories are also possible. Pressing the N-key while the tipsub-category menu 325 is displayed can cause the display 36 to onceagain display the aspects shown in the screen shot 303. The topsub-category selection (e.g., Engine) in the sub-category menu 325 canbe in focus when the display begins displaying the sub-category menu325.

The screen shot 307 shows an example of aspects that can be displayed inresponse to pressing the Y-key while the Engine sub-category selectionis in focus. Those aspects include the tool bar 319 and a tipssub-category menu 327. The sub-categories in this menu 327 includeExhaust Manifold and Other. Other examples of the sub-categories in themenu 327 are also possible. Pressing the N-key while the tipsub-category menu 327 is displayed can cause the display 36 to onceagain display the aspects shown in the screen shot 305. The topsub-category selection (e.g., Exhaust Manifold) in the tips sub-categorymenu 327 can be in focus when the display begins displaying the tipssub-category menu 327.

If no further sub-category menus are to be shown in response toselecting a sub-category menu, the display can begin displaying a tip asshown in the screen shot 309. The tip in the screen shot 309 includes animage 329. Other tips, such as the tip shown in the screen shot 311, aretextual without a corresponding image. A portion of the textual tip caninclude a tip name 331. Another portion of the textual tip includes thetip 333, which can state “Look for manifold temperature differences, allcylinders should be same color, and a cold or hot cylinder couldindicate a problem” or some other text tip. The screen shot 309 includesthe tip title 331 and the text tip 333. The tip title 331 and the texttip 333 can fade out after being displayed on the image 329 for athreshold amount of time (e.g., 2 to 3 seconds). The tip 333 comprises adiagnostic tip that pertains to a vehicle. The screen shot 309 alsoincludes a tip 335 to guide a user using the TID 6, such as the tip:“PRO TIP: Press Y to show/hide text.”

The screen shot 313 shown in FIG. 28 shows aspects displayable on thedisplay 36 after the tip 335 fades out or is otherwise not displayed onthe display 36. The aspects displayed in the screen shot 313 include thetool bar 319, the tip name 331, and the tip 333. While those aspects ofthe screen shot 313 are displayed, pressing of the Y-key can cause thetext portion of the tip (e.g., the tip name 331 and the tip 333) totoggle off (as shown in the screen shot 315), or to toggle on if thetext is not displayed.

Pressing of the S-key while a tip is displayed can cause the display 36to return to the live image mode, as shown by the screen shot 317. Theprocessor 22 can track the current and one or more prior states of theapplication display window so that the user can return to a prior screenif desired. This allows the user to quickly toggle between the cameraand reference information such as a tip. The S-key or another key can beused to toggle between the live image mode and a prior display mode.

Next, FIG. 29 shows example screen shots 401, 403, and 405 that aredisplayable on the display 36 during a recalibration mode of the TID 6.The processor 22 can output displayable aspects shown in the screenshots 401, 403, and 405 to the display 36.

The screen shot 401 includes an animated progress bar (APR) 407. The APR407 can provide a user of the TID 6 with an indication of how much of acurrent recalibration event has occurred and/or how much therecalibration event remains to be performed. The screen shot 401 mightnot include an alphanumeric and/or textual message pertaining to thecurrent recalibration event.

The screen shots 403 and 405 each include the APR 407 and analphanumeric and/or textual message 409 (or more simply “the message409”). In the screen shot 403, the APR 407 and the message 409 are notin a message box together, whereas in the screen shot 405, the APR 407and the message 409 are in a message box. In other words, in the screenshot 403, the APR 407 and the message 409 are not proximate to oneanother as compared to the screen shot 405 in which the APR 407 and themessage 409 are proximate to one another.

The processor 22 can execute the CRPI 42 to perform the recalibrationevent. The processor 22 can automatically perform the recalibrationevent without a user requesting performance of the recalibration event.The processor 22 can automatically perform the recalibration event inresponse to determining a recalibration trigger event occurred. As anexample, the recalibration trigger can comprise the TID 6 powering onfrom the off state, or the TID 6 being exposed to an extreme temperaturedifference with respect to a prior temperature. Other examples of therecalibration trigger are also possible.

Next, FIG. 30 shows example screen shots 501, 503, 505, and 507, and useof a trigger button 509 (e.g., the image trigger 38 shown on FIG. 2).The screen shot 501 represents a “live view” image (e.g., the mostrecent image captured by a camera of the thermal imaging device). Whilethe live view image is displayed, the trigger button 509 may beactivated (e.g., squeezed, pushed, or pulled) to initiate capturing animage displayed on the display 36 of the TID 6. The processor 22 candetermine whether the trigger button 509 is activated for longer than atrigger threshold amount of time. If the processor 22 determines thatthe trigger button 509 is not activated longer than the triggerthreshold amount of time, the processor 22 can cause a single image 515to be captured and displayed as shown in the screen shot 503. As anexample, the trigger threshold amount of time can be 0.75 seconds oranother length of time. If the processor 22 determines that the triggerbutton is activated longer than the trigger threshold amount of time,the processor 22 can cause multiple images (e.g., an image 517 and oneor more other images) to be captured as a video. The processor 22 cancause the capturing of images to stop when the trigger button 509 is nolonger activated (e.g., the trigger button 509 is no longer squeezed,pushed, or pulled). While the video is being captured and aftercapturing the image has stopped, a captured image of the video (e.g.,the image 517) can be displayed.

The still image shown in the screen shots 503 and 505 can be overlaidupon a white background 513 and 519, respectively, or another coloredbackground for the display threshold amount of time (e.g., 1.5 secondsor another amount of time).

After a still image is displayed in the screen shots 503 or 505 for thedisplay threshold amount of time, the processor 22 can cause the display36 to switch to displaying the live view image. If the live view isbeing displayed after displaying a captured image for less than athreshold number of time, the processor 22 can cause the display 36 todisplay a tip to assist the user in using the TID 6. The screen shot 507shows a tip 511. The tip 511 states “PRO TIP: Use the

key on your thumbpad as a shortcut to the most recent file in thegallery.” Other examples of the tip displayed after displaying thecaptured image are also possible. The tip 511 can be displayed until auser requests the tip to be removed via the keyboard 40 or the tip canbe removed automatically after the tip has been displayed for athreshold amount of time (e.g., 2 seconds, 3 seconds, or another amountof time). The live view image can continue to be displayed on thedisplay 36 after the tip 511 is removed.

Next, FIG. 31, FIG. 32, and FIG. 33 show example screen shots 601, 603,605, 607, 609, 611, 613, 615, 617, 619, and 621, and example uses 623,625, 627, 629, 631, 633, 635, 637, and 639 of a keypad that causes theTID 6 to transition from displaying an image shown in one of the screenshots 601 to 619 to displaying another image shown in one of the screenshots 603 to 621. In particular, the screen shots 601 to 609 representan example of navigating to stored files (e.g., image repair tips) froma “live view” (e.g., the most recent image captured by a camera of theTID 6). The screen shots 611 to 617 represent an example of viewingvideo files on the display 36 of the TID 6. The screen shots 619 and 621represent viewing files—screen capture.

The screen shot 601 shows a “live view.” Pressing the S-button 129 on akeypad (e.g., the keyboard 40) in accordance with keypad usage 623 cancause the display 36 to display a menu for selecting files with respectto vehicle systems and/or vehicle components as shown by the screen shot603. The menu shown in the screen shot 603 can be a default menudisplayed the first time a file access application is requested for thefirst time after the TID 6 powers to the on state. The menu in thescreen shot 603 includes the following selections: Under Hood, UnderVehicle, Brake and Tire, and Other. The focus can initially be on theUnder Hood selection. The selection in focus can be represented byhighlighting the selection (e.g., shown darker than the otherselections). The selections can represent categories of items shown inselectable files. Other examples of the selections displayed on a menuto access files are also possible.

The screen shot 605 shows the menu shown in the screen shot 603 afterthe right arrow key of the D-pad 125 is pressed in accordance withkeypad usage 625. The focus can switch from the Under Hood selection inthe menu to the toolbar 641. The left and right keys can be associatedwith progressing through the tool bar 641 when the tool bar isdisplayed. The up and down keys can be associated with progressingthrough the menu when the menu is displayed. The tool bar 641 caninclude tool selections such as Tips, Gallery, and Trash, as shown inFIG. 31. If the Y-key is pressed in accordance with keypad usage 627while the Gallery selection is in focus, the processor 22 can cause thedisplay 36 to display the aspects shown in the screen shot 607.

The screen shot 607 shows an active gallery. A first actionable item(i.e., “movie file” in the screen shot 607) has the focus. An image 643shown in the background of the display is an image of a file that iscurrently in focus (i.e., the movie file in the screen shot 607). Theimage 643 can update as a user progresses through the active gallery byuse of the up or down keys. For example, the screen shot 609 shows the“screen capture file” in focus in response to the down key being pressedin accordance with the key usage 631 and the background image 645 beingdisplayed in the background.

If the Y-key is pressed in accordance with the key usage 629 when the“movie file” is in focus as shown in the screen shot 607, the display 36may display an image of the selected movie file. In one respect, a tip649, such as “PRO TIP: Use the ARROW keys on your thumbpad to scrollthrough additional files” can be displayed on the image of the selectedfile as shown in the screen shot 611 (see FIG. 32). If the Y-key ispressed in accordance with the key usage 633 when the selected movie isnot playing, the display can begin displaying the selected movie fileand media controls 647. The tip 649 can fade out after being displayedfor a threshold amount of time (e.g., a 2 to 3 seconds). The mediacontrols 647 can include a counter. The media control 647 can appear andthe video can begin playing automatically in response to the Y-key beingpressed. The video might stop being played after being completely playedor can loop around and continue playing at the beginning of the video.The screen shot 615 shows that the media controls 647 can fade out. Thatfading out can occur after a few seconds of user inactivity. The screenshot 617 shows the media controls 647 can fade back in. That fading canoccur in response to any key of the keyboard 40 being pressed. The leftand right keys of the keyboard 40 can move the video a predeterminednumber of frames at a time. The left and right keys of the keyboard 40can be pressed and held to move even quicker through the video. Pressingof the N-Key 123 in accordance with the key usage 637 can cause thedisplay 36 to display a gallery file list, such as the list of filesshown in the screen shot 607 and 609.

The screen shots 619 and 621 represent showing a different frame of avideo file. The different frame could be displayed in response toselecting a different video file or selecting the left or right arrowkeys, or allowing the video to play. The screen shot 619 shows the tip649 displayed. The tip 649 can fade out such that the tip 649 is nolonger displayed as shown in the screen shot 621.

Next, FIG. 34 shows example screen shots 701, 703, 705, and 707 that aredisplayable on the display 36 during an animated transition mode of theTID 6. The processor 22 can output displayable aspects shown in thescreen shots 701 to 707 to the display 36.

The screen shot 701 comprises an image captured by a camera (e.g., thecamera 30). The screen shot 701 might not include a tool bar or a menu.A use of a keyboard (e.g., the keyboard 40) can cause the processor 22to execute the CRPI 42 to perform an animated transition from thedisplayed image to a fully rendered menu shown in the screen shot 707.The screen shot 703 represents a toolbar 709 sliding downwards and amenu with menu items 711, 713, 715, and 717 fading in. As the menu items711, 713, 715, and 717 fade in (e.g., become more viewable), the cameraimage fades out (e.g., becomes less viewable). The screen shot 705represents the toolbar 709 fully visible and the menu items 711, 713,715, and 717 continuing to fade in. The screen shot 707 shows the fullyrendered menu in which the menu items 711, 713, 715, and 717 are nolonger fading in and the image is no longer fading out.

In some examples, the TID 6 may be configured to operate in ademonstration (“Demo”) mode. The demonstration mode may involve the TID6 displaying a predetermined (e.g., scripted) sequence of images and/orinformation that shows a user ways in which the TID 6 might be useful.The images and information displayed during the demonstration mode maybe accessed from the CRM 28 or from the SCS 10.

For example, the TID 6 may display a prompt for the user to turn therear defroster “grid” of the vehicle 4 on and use the TID 6 to inspectfor breaks in the grid or for no grid at all. The TID 6 might display athermal image of a malfunctioning rear window defroster showing a “coldspot” representing an open circuit within the grid. A caption might read“known bad rear windows defroster.” In another example the caption mightread “known good windows defroster” and a thermal image of a normallyfunctioning rear window defroster may be displayed.

Similarly, the TID 6 may display a prompt for the user to inspect thevehicle 4 at normal operating temperature and use the TID 6 to identifya noisy carrier bearing of a differential of the vehicle 4. The TID 6might display a thermal image of a malfunctioning differential. Acaption might read “known bad differential.” In another example thecaption might read “known good differential” and the displayed thermalimage may be of a normally functioning differential.

Similarly, the TID 6 may display a prompt for the user to use the TID 6to monitor pulley temperatures of a water pump. The TID 6 may furtherdisplay a message stating that excessive temperatures may indicate abearing issue. The TID 6 might display a thermal image of amalfunctioning water pump bearing. A caption might read “known bad waterpump bearing.” In another example the caption might read “known goodwater pump bearing” and the displayed thermal image may be of a normallyfunctioning water pump bearing.

Similarly, the TID 6 may display a prompt for the user to use the TID 6to inspect a seat heater of the vehicle 4. The TID 6 may further displaya message stating that seat heater will increase in temperature andreveal the heater grid underneath the seat. The TID 6 may furtherdisplay a prompt to use the TID 6 to inspect for breaks in the grid orno grid at all. The TID 6 might display a thermal image of amalfunctioning seat heater. A caption might read “known bad heatedseat.” In another example the caption might read “known good heatedseat” and the displayed image may correspond to a normally functioningseat heater.

Similarly, the TID 6 may display a prompt for the user to use the TID 6to inspect an alternator of the vehicle 4. The TID 6 may further displaya message stating that a charging (normally functioning) alternator willdisplay a higher temperature than a non-charging (malfunctioning)alternator. The TID 6 might display a thermal image of a malfunctioningor a normally functioning alternator. A caption might read “known goodcharging alternator” or “known bad charging alternator,” as appropriate.

The demonstration mode may be initiated by navigating drop down menus orother features of a user interface of the TID 6.

A person having ordinary skill in the art will understand that thethermal imaging device can transition from the fully rendered menu ofthe screen shot 707 to the live shot captured by the camera 30 in areverse order of the screen shot 707, the screen shot 705, the screenshot 703, and the screen shot 701. A person having ordinary skill in theart will further understand that additional screen shots can be capturedbetween the image view and the fully rendered menu or vice versa.

IV. Conclusion

Example embodiments have been described above. Those skilled in the artwill understand that changes and modifications can be made to thedescribed embodiments without departing from the true scope of thepresent invention, which is defined by the claims.

Additional embodiments, based on the features or functions describedherein, can be embodied as a non-transitory computer-readable mediumstoring program instructions, that when executed by a processor of amachine cause a set of functions to be performed, the set of functionscomprising the features or functions of the aspects and embodimentsdescribed herein.

Embodiments of the present disclosure may thus relate to one of theenumerated example embodiments (EEEs) listed below.

EEE 1 is a method performed by a thermal imaging device, the methodcomprising: capturing a thermal image of a vehicle; displaying thethermal image within a first region of a display of the thermal imagingdevice; and displaying information related to servicing the vehiclewithin a second region of the display that is distinct from the firstregion.

EEE 2 is the method of EEE 1, wherein the displayed informationcomprises a thermal image of a normally functioning example of thevehicle component.

EEE 3 is the method of any of EEEs 1 or 2, wherein the displayedinformation comprises a thermal image of a normally functioning exampleof the vehicle component.

EEE 4 is the method of any of EEEs 1-3, further comprising sending thecaptured thermal image of the vehicle to a server computing system.

EEE 5 is the method of any of EEEs 1-4, further comprising receiving thedisplayed information from a server computing system.

EEE 6 is the method of any of EEEs 1-5, wherein the displayedinformation comprises a thermal image of another vehicle that wasreceived by the server from a second thermal imaging device.

EEE 7 is the method of any of EEEs 1-6, further comprising receiving thedisplayed information from a computer readable medium of the thermalimaging device.

EEE 8 is the method of any of EEEs 1-7, further comprising: receiving,via a user interface, input representing a selection of a vehiclecomponent; and identifying information that is associated with theselected vehicle component, wherein the displayed information comprisesthe identified information.

EEE 9 is the method of EEE 8, wherein the received input furtherindicates a symptom of the vehicle component, and wherein the identifiedinformation is related to the symptom.

EEE 10 is the method of EEE 8, wherein the received input furtherindicates a make, a model, or a year of the vehicle, and wherein theidentified information is related to the make, the model, or the year ofthe vehicle.

EEE 11 is the method of any of EEEs 1-10, wherein the displayedinformation comprises textual suggestions for repairing the vehicle.

EEE 12 is the method of any of EEEs 1-11, wherein the thermal image iscaptured in response to detecting that a trigger of the thermal imagingdevice has been squeezed.

EEE 13 is the method of EEE 12, wherein capturing the thermal imagecomprises capturing a thermal video stream in response to detecting thatthe trigger has been squeezed, the method further comprising: ceasingcapturing the thermal video stream in response to detecting that thetrigger has been released.

EEE 14 is a non-transitory computer readable medium storing instructionsthat, when executed by a thermal imaging device, cause the thermalimaging device to perform functions comprising: capturing a thermalimage of a vehicle; displaying the thermal image within a first regionof a display of the thermal imaging device; and displaying informationrelated to servicing the vehicle within a second region of the displaythat is distinct from the first region.

EEE 15 is the non-transitory computer readable medium of EEE 14, whereinthe displayed information comprises a thermal image of a normallyfunctioning example of the vehicle component.

EEE 16 is the non-transitory computer readable medium of any of EEEs 14or 15, wherein the displayed information comprises a thermal image of anormally functioning example of the vehicle component.

EEE 17 is the non-transitory computer readable medium of any of EEEs14-16, the functions further comprising sending the captured thermalimage of the vehicle to a server computing system.

EEE 18 is the non-transitory computer readable medium of any of EEEs14-17, the functions further comprising receiving the displayedinformation from a server computing system.

EEE 19 is the non-transitory computer readable medium of any of EEEs14-18, wherein the displayed information comprises a thermal image ofanother vehicle that was received by the server from a second thermalimaging device.

EEE 20 is the non-transitory computer readable medium of any of EEEs14-19, the functions further comprising receiving the displayedinformation from a computer readable medium of the thermal imagingdevice.

EEE 21 is the non-transitory computer readable medium of any of EEEs14-20, the functions further comprising: receiving, via a userinterface, input representing a selection of a vehicle component; andidentifying information that is associated with the selected vehiclecomponent, wherein the displayed information comprises the identifiedinformation.

EEE 22 is the non-transitory computer readable medium of EEE 21, whereinthe received input further indicates a symptom of the vehicle component,and wherein the identified information is related to the symptom.

EEE 23 is the non-transitory computer readable medium of EEE 21, whereinthe received input further indicates a make, a model, or a year of thevehicle, and wherein the identified information is related to the make,the model, or the year of the vehicle.

EEE 24 is the non-transitory computer readable medium of any of EEEs14-23, wherein the displayed information comprises textual suggestionsfor repairing the vehicle.

EEE 25 is the non-transitory computer readable medium of any of EEEs14-24, wherein the thermal image is captured in response to detectingthat a trigger of the thermal imaging device has been squeezed.

EEE 26 is the non-transitory computer readable medium of EEE 25, whereincapturing the thermal image comprises capturing a thermal video streamin response to detecting that the trigger has been squeezed, thefunctions further comprising: ceasing capturing the thermal video streamin response to detecting that the trigger has been released.

EEE 27 is a thermal imaging device comprising one or more processors, athermal image sensor, and a non-transitory computer readable mediumstoring instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors,cause the thermal imaging device to perform functions comprising:capturing a thermal image of a vehicle; displaying the thermal imagewithin a first region of a display of the thermal imaging device; anddisplaying information related to servicing the vehicle within a secondregion of the display that is distinct from the first region.

EEE 28 is the thermal imaging device of EEE 27, wherein the displayedinformation comprises a thermal image of a normally functioning exampleof the vehicle component.

EEE 29 is the thermal imaging device of any of EEEs 27 or 28, whereinthe displayed information comprises a thermal image of a normallyfunctioning example of the vehicle component.

EEE 30 is the thermal imaging device of any of EEEs 27-29, the functionsfurther comprising sending the captured thermal image of the vehicle toa server computing system.

EEE 31 is the thermal imaging device of any of EEEs 27-30, the functionsfurther comprising receiving the displayed information from a servercomputing system.

EEE 32 is the thermal imaging device of any of EEEs 27-31, wherein thedisplayed information comprises a thermal image of another vehicle thatwas received by the server from a second thermal imaging device.

EEE 33 is the thermal imaging device of any of EEEs 27-32, the functionsfurther comprising receiving the displayed information from a computerreadable medium of the thermal imaging device.

EEE 34 is the thermal imaging device of any of EEEs 27-33, the functionsfurther comprising: receiving, via a user interface, input representinga selection of a vehicle component; and identifying information that isassociated with the selected vehicle component, wherein the displayedinformation comprises the identified information.

EEE 35 is the thermal imaging device of EEE 34, wherein the receivedinput further indicates a symptom of the vehicle component, and whereinthe identified information is related to the symptom.

EEE 36 is the thermal imaging device of EEE 34, wherein the receivedinput further indicates a make, a model, or a year of the vehicle, andwherein the identified information is related to the make, the model, orthe year of the vehicle.

EEE 37 is the thermal imaging device of any of EEEs 27-36, wherein thedisplayed information comprises textual suggestions for repairing thevehicle.

EEE 38 is the thermal imaging device of any of EEEs 27-37, wherein thethermal image is captured in response to detecting that a trigger of thethermal imaging device has been squeezed.

EEE 39 is the thermal imaging device of EEE 38, wherein capturing thethermal image comprises capturing a thermal video stream in response todetecting that the trigger has been squeezed, the functions furthercomprising: ceasing capturing the thermal video stream in response todetecting that the trigger has been released.

EEE 40 is a method performed by a thermal imaging device, the methodcomprising: capturing a thermal image; displaying the captured thermalimage within a first region of a display of the thermal imaging device,wherein the displayed thermal image conforms to a first color palettethat maps temperatures to a color or a brightness level; displaying oneor more color palette icons within a second region of the display thatis distinct from the first region, wherein the one or more color paletteicons respectively represent additional color palettes that maptemperatures to a color or a brightness level; receiving inputrepresenting a selection of a color palette icon of the one or morecolor palette icons; and displaying, within the first region, a thermalimage that conforms to a second color palette that corresponds to theselected color palette icon.

EEE 41 is the method of EEE 40, wherein the input comprises adrag-and-drop input.

EEE 42 is the method of any of EEEs 40 or 41, further comprisingmodifying the captured thermal image to conform to the second colorpalette, wherein the displayed thermal image that conforms to the secondcolor palette is the captured thermal image that is modified to conformto the second color palette.

EEE 43 is the method of any of EEEs 40-42, further comprising replacing,within the display, the selected color palette icon with a color paletteicon that corresponds to the first color palette.

EEE 44 is the method of any of EEEs 40-43, wherein the selected colorpalette icon comprises a compressed version of the captured thermalimage that conforms to the second color palette, the method furthercomprising: modifying the compressed version of the thermal image toconform with the first color palette.

EEE 45 is a non-transitory computer readable medium storing instructionsthat, when executed by a thermal imaging device, cause the thermalimaging device to perform functions comprising: capturing a thermalimage; displaying the captured thermal image within a first region of adisplay of the thermal imaging device, wherein the displayed thermalimage conforms to a first color palette that maps temperatures to acolor or a brightness level; displaying one or more color palette iconswithin a second region of the display that is distinct from the firstregion, wherein the one or more color palette icons respectivelyrepresent additional color palettes that map temperatures to a color ora brightness level; receiving input representing a selection of a colorpalette icon of the one or more color palette icons; and displaying,within the first region, a thermal image that conforms to a second colorpalette that corresponds to the selected color palette icon.

EEE 46 is the non-transitory computer readable medium of EEE 45, whereinthe input comprises a drag-and-drop input.

EEE 47 is the non-transitory computer readable medium of any of EEEs 45or 46, the functions further comprising modifying the captured thermalimage to conform to the second color palette, wherein the displayedthermal image that conforms to the second color palette is the capturedthermal image that is modified to conform to the second color palette.

EEE 48 is the non-transitory computer readable medium of any of EEEs45-47, the functions further comprising replacing, within the display,the selected color palette icon with a color palette icon thatcorresponds to the first color palette.

EEE 49 is the non-transitory computer readable medium of any of EEEs45-48, wherein the selected color palette icon comprises a compressedversion of the captured thermal image that conforms to the second colorpalette, the functions further comprising: modifying the compressedversion of the thermal image to conform with the first color palette.

EEE 50 is a thermal imaging device comprising one or more processors, athermal image sensor, and a non-transitory computer readable mediumstoring instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors,cause the thermal imaging device to perform functions comprising:capturing a thermal image; displaying the captured thermal image withina first region of a display of the thermal imaging device, wherein thedisplayed thermal image conforms to a first color palette that mapstemperatures to a color or a brightness level; displaying one or morecolor palette icons within a second region of the display that isdistinct from the first region, wherein the one or more color paletteicons respectively represent additional color palettes that maptemperatures to a color or a brightness level; receiving inputrepresenting a selection of a color palette icon of the one or morecolor palette icons; and displaying, within the first region, a thermalimage that conforms to a second color palette that corresponds to theselected color palette icon.

EEE 51 is the thermal imaging device of EEE 50, wherein the inputcomprises a drag-and-drop input.

EEE 52 is the thermal imaging device of any of EEEs 50 or 51, thefunctions further comprising modifying the captured thermal image toconform to the second color palette, wherein the displayed thermal imagethat conforms to the second color palette is the captured thermal imagethat is modified to conform to the second color palette.

EEE 53 is the thermal imaging device of any of EEEs 50-52, the functionsfurther comprising replacing, within the display, the selected colorpalette icon with a color palette icon that corresponds to the firstcolor palette.

EEE 54 is the thermal imaging device of any of EEEs 50-53, wherein theselected color palette icon comprises a compressed version of thecaptured thermal image that conforms to the second color palette, thefunctions further comprising: modifying the compressed version of thethermal image to conform with the first color palette.

EEE 55 is a method performed by a thermal imaging device, the methodcomprising: capturing a first thermal image; displaying the firstthermal image within a first region of a display of the thermal imagingdevice; displaying, within a second region of the display that isdistinct from the first region, one or more second thermal imagescaptured by the thermal imaging device, wherein the one or more secondthermal images are compressed to be smaller than the first thermalimage; receiving input representing a selection of a thermal image ofthe one or more second thermal images; and in response to receiving theinput, replacing, within the first region of the display, the firstthermal image with an enlarged version of the selected thermal image,wherein the enlarged version of the selected thermal image is equal insize to the displayed first thermal image.

EEE 56 is the method of EEE 55, further comprising replacing, within thesecond region of the display, the selected thermal image with acompressed version of the first thermal image.

EEE 57 is a non-transitory computer readable medium storing instructionsthat, when executed by a thermal imaging device, cause the thermalimaging device to perform functions comprising: capturing a firstthermal image; displaying the first thermal image within a first regionof a display of the thermal imaging device; displaying, within a secondregion of the display that is distinct from the first region, one ormore second thermal images captured by the thermal imaging device,wherein the one or more second thermal images are compressed to besmaller than the first thermal image; receiving input representing aselection of a thermal image of the one or more second thermal images;and in response to receiving the input, replacing, within the firstregion of the display, the first thermal image with an enlarged versionof the selected thermal image, wherein the enlarged version of theselected thermal image is equal in size to the displayed first thermalimage.

EEE 58 is the non-transitory computer readable medium of EEE 57, thefunctions further comprising replacing, within the second region of thedisplay, the selected thermal image with a compressed version of thefirst thermal image.

EEE 59 is a thermal imaging device comprising one or more processors, athermal image sensor, and a non-transitory computer readable mediumstoring instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors,cause the thermal imaging device to perform functions comprising:capturing a first thermal image; displaying the first thermal imagewithin a first region of a display of the thermal imaging device;displaying, within a second region of the display that is distinct fromthe first region, one or more second thermal images captured by thethermal imaging device, wherein the one or more second thermal imagesare compressed to be smaller than the first thermal image; receivinginput representing a selection of a thermal image of the one or moresecond thermal images; and in response to receiving the input,replacing, within the first region of the display, the first thermalimage with an enlarged version of the selected thermal image, whereinthe enlarged version of the selected thermal image is equal in size tothe displayed first thermal image.

EEE 60 is the thermal imaging device of EEE 59, the functions furthercomprising replacing, within the second region of the display, theselected thermal image with a compressed version of the first thermalimage.

EEE 61 is the method of any of EEEs 1-13, wherein capturing the thermalimage of the vehicle comprises capturing a thermal image of a particularcomponent of the vehicle.

EEE 62 is the non-transitory computer readable medium of any of EEEs14-26, wherein capturing the thermal image of the vehicle comprisescapturing a thermal image of a particular component of the vehicle.

EEE 63 is the thermal imaging device of any of EEEs 27-39, whereincapturing the thermal image of the vehicle comprises capturing a thermalimage of a particular component of the vehicle.

I claim:
 1. A method performed by a thermal imaging device, the methodcomprising: capturing a thermal image of a vehicle; displaying thethermal image within a first region of a display of the thermal imagingdevice; and displaying information related to servicing the vehiclewithin a second region of the display that is distinct from the firstregion.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the displayed informationcomprises a thermal image of a normally functioning example of thevehicle component.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the displayedinformation comprises a thermal image of a malfunctioning example of thevehicle component.
 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising sendingthe captured thermal image of the vehicle to a server computing system.5. The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving the displayedinformation from a server computing system.
 6. The method of claim 1,wherein the displayed information comprises a thermal image of anothervehicle that was received by the server from a second thermal imagingdevice.
 7. The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving thedisplayed information from a computer readable medium of the thermalimaging device.
 8. The method of claim 1, further comprising: receiving,via a user interface, input representing a selection of a vehiclecomponent; and identifying information that is associated with theselected vehicle component, wherein the displayed information comprisesthe identified information.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein thereceived input further indicates a symptom of the vehicle component, andwherein the identified information is related to the symptom.
 10. Themethod of claim 8, wherein the received input further indicates a make,a model, or a year of the vehicle, and wherein the identifiedinformation is related to the make, the model, or the year of thevehicle.
 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the displayed informationcomprises textual suggestions for repairing the vehicle.
 12. The methodof claim 1, wherein the thermal image is captured in response todetecting that a trigger of the thermal imaging device has beensqueezed.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein capturing the thermalimage comprises capturing a thermal video stream in response todetecting that the trigger has been squeezed, the method furthercomprising: ceasing capturing the thermal video stream in response todetecting that the trigger has been released.
 14. A method performed bya thermal imaging device, the method comprising: capturing a thermalimage; displaying the captured thermal image within a first region of adisplay of the thermal imaging device, wherein the displayed thermalimage conforms to a first color palette that maps temperatures to acolor or a brightness level; displaying one or more color palette iconswithin a second region of the display that is distinct from the firstregion, wherein the one or more color palette icons respectivelyrepresent additional color palettes that map temperatures to a color ora brightness level; receiving input representing a selection of a colorpalette icon of the one or more color palette icons; and displaying,within the first region, a thermal image that conforms to a second colorpalette that corresponds to the selected color palette icon.
 15. Themethod of claim 14, wherein the input comprises a drag-and-drop input.16. The method of claim 14, further comprising modifying the capturedthermal image to conform to the second color palette, wherein thedisplayed thermal image that conforms to the second color palette is thecaptured thermal image that is modified to conform to the second colorpalette.
 17. The method of claim 14, further comprising replacing,within the display, the selected color palette icon with a color paletteicon that corresponds to the first color palette.
 18. The method ofclaim 14, wherein the selected color palette icon comprises a compressedversion of the captured thermal image that conforms to the second colorpalette, the method further comprising: modifying the compressed versionof the thermal image to conform with the first color palette.
 19. Amethod performed by a thermal imaging device, the method comprising:capturing a first thermal image; displaying the first thermal imagewithin a first region of a display of the thermal imaging device;displaying, within a second region of the display that is distinct fromthe first region, one or more second thermal images captured by thethermal imaging device, wherein the one or more second thermal imagesare compressed to be smaller than the first thermal image; receivinginput representing a selection of a thermal image of the one or moresecond thermal images; and in response to receiving the input,replacing, within the first region of the display, the first thermalimage with an enlarged version of the selected thermal image, whereinthe enlarged version of the selected thermal image is equal in size tothe displayed first thermal image.
 20. The method of claim 19, furthercomprising replacing, within the second region of the display, theselected thermal image with a compressed version of the first thermalimage.